Cibo Matto at TheWit Hotel 201 N. State St., 312-239-9500; cibomatto.therestaurantsatthewit.com
Enjoy Todd Stein’s modern Italian-influenced cuisine at the semiprivate chef’s table or from the glass-enclosed private room while sipping wine from the 2,000-bottle case. Fancy a quick snack? The chic lounge will do the trick.

Graham Elliot217 W. Huron St., 312-624-9975; grahamelliot.com
After receiving the highest praise with four stars while helming the kitchen at Avenues, Graham Elliot Bowles opened his namesake River North spot with a more laid-back approach and full-of-flavor, wholesome, creative dishes.

L2O2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-868-0002; l2orestaurant.com
Laurent Gras’s spot in the Belden-Stratford building was named Esquire’s 2008 Restaurant of the Year. The elegant yet cool space balances the French-Asian fusion-focused seafood selections that Gras orders in from around the globe.

M.henry5707 N. Clark St., 773-561-1600; mhenry.net
The Far North Side craved a great brunch spot and the adorable M.henry filled the void, delivering fresh baked pastries, organic ingredients and a vegetarian-friendly, Latininfused brunch.

NoMIPark Hyatt Chicago, 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030; nomirestaurant.com
NoMI provides a luxurious setting with sweeping views of the city, all of which enhances the beautifully executed sushi and prime meats that make up the French-inspired menu.

The Publican 837 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9555; thepublicanrestaurant.com
The latest from the Blackbird/Avec team, the Publican conjures a German beer hall with communal tables. The menu features local, sustainable fare with a big focus on pork, seafood and fish.

Sunda 110 W. Illinois St., 312-644-0500; sundachicago.com
You may have missed backpacking through Southeast Asia, but that’s OK since all those flavors have now come to you: crab-crusted ahi tuna, Malay-style Chilean sea bass, traditional noodle dishes and, of course, inventive sushi are all there for the taking.

SushiSamba Rio 504 N. Wells St., 312-595-2300; sushisamba.com
Brazil isn’t known for its sushi but that doesn’t stop this eclectic joint from serving some of the most creative rolls around. The upscale party environment beckons with its indoor rooftop bar, superfresh seafood and ceviche, sprawling raw bar and more.

Terzo Piano 159 E. Monroe St. in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute, 312-443-8650; terzopianochicago.com
Modern art. A gorgeous setting. Spectacular views. Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano’s creations. What more could you ask for? How about one of the coveted covered piazza tables to enjoy local ingredients with a refreshing glass of wine?

The Signature Room at the 95th875 N. Michigan Ave., 312-787-9596; signatureroom.com
Sweeping views atop the John Hancock building add to the excitement of the contemporary American menu.